Delhi is not just the hub of great food, attractions and awesome vibes! (I might be a little biased), but it is also the centre of many beautiful lakes worth noting if you ever find yourself in a pinch for a date spot or picnic place with friends and family. Here is a thorough guide to lakes in Delhi with additional information like how to reach them and when’s the best time to go. Read on!

Sanjay Lake

Developed by the Delhi Development Authority in Trilokpuri in East Delhi, Sanjay Lake is a well-known spot among Delhiites and tourists alike. It is an artificial lake spread over 17 hectares in the middle of a 69 hectares forest area, also known as Sanjay Lake Park. You can also spot many migratory birds and indigenous trees, with families and kids enjoying a great picnic around the lake or boating for INR 130. As the area is massive, it looks like an enchanting forest out of a fairytale. It is also touted as one of the longest parks in East Delhi, always packed with cyclists and joggers and conveniently packed with water taps to keep one hydrated. 

Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

Price: Free entry; INR 130 for boating

Naini Lake

Model towns folks are well familiar with this one, as Nani Lake is a popular boating spot locally. This lake is a 6.5-acre water body that offers a serene ambience and breezy winds. It is promoted with a great focus on boating. Families and locals are spotted here, taking leisurely strolls around the banks or sitting for a picnic. The boating experience here is backed by Delhi Tourism and is divided into the paddling experience and the shikara experience, costing INR 130 and INR 230. If you are around the area and looking for a fun activity with kids and families, we highly recommend checking out Naini Lake.

Timings: 1 PM – 8 PM (1 April to 30 September), 11 AM  – 6 PM (1 October – 31 March)

Price: Free entry; INR 130 onwards for boating

Bhardwaj Lake

Bhardwaj Lake is also known as the ‘Neele Paani Ki Jheel’ because of its aqua blue waters that it gets directly from the ground. The location was a mine area before and was developed into a water body after the 1980s. Visiting this lake is certainly an offbeat adventure, with the Aravalli Hills view intact. We recommend this place for trekkers, as it is a little hike to reach the lake, inhabiting beautiful birds, butterflies, rabbits, deer, and even nilgai among its rocks. 

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

Price: Free entry

Bhalswa Lake

Covering almost 34 hectares, Bhalswa Lake in Northeast Delhi is a freshwater lake that is shaped like a horseshoe. The lake is formed by one of the streams that meandered from the Yamuna River and offers a beautiful city in the midst of the city. The government has turned the area surrounding the lake into a sports complex and a place to have leisure strolls, with the background of water birds like storks, cranes, waterfowl, etc.

Timings: 1 PM – 8 PM (1 April to 30 September), 11 AM – 6 PM (1 October to 31 March) 

Price: INR 130

Surajkand Lake

Located in Faridabad, Surajkund Lake is a pretty famous lake on the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli range. Literally meaning the lake of the ‘Sun’, Surajkund is a reservoir with an amphitheatre-shaped surrounding in a semicircular form. There is a lot of history in the space, which is said to have been built by King Surajpal of the Tomara Rajputs during the 10th century. Now, it is a popular wildlife corridor and a popular picnic spot for friends and families. 

Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM

Price: INR 100 onwards

Panikot Lake

Another offbeat adventure near Faridabad, Panikot Lake is often labelled as a ‘mini Ladakh’ and a must-visit for all adventure enthusiasts. Nestled around the Aravalli range, the pristine surroundings of Panikot Lake are a truly mesmerising sight. With the backdrop of the birds chirping, the beautiful formation of rocks, and clear blue water, visiting here is a total adventure. Make sure you pack your essentials, as there aren’t many eateries around.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price: Free entry

Karna Lake

If you have ever been on the ‘Murthal Paranthe Waale’ stretch, then Karna Lake needs no sort of introduction to you. Named after the folklore that Karna from Mahabharata used to bathe here, Karna Lake is the perfect tourist spot, with a serene lake experience and a cute restaurant. Plus, you can also partake in boating here. 

Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

Price: INR 30 (adults), INR 20 (children)

Hauz Khas Lake

The famous Hauz Khas Lake is a serene experience inside the popular Hauz Khas Fort. Constructed to supply water to the Siri Fort, the lake was called Hauz-i-Alai back in the day. The whole place is packed with sanctums, tombs, and remnants of the fort, and we remember making your visit early in the morning to capture the best view. There are no boating services available, though. 

Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM

Price: INR 25 (Indians), INR 200 (Foreigners)